A recent report suggests the next Xbox console might include free online multiplayer. If true, this could be a big advantage for the new system, potentially attracting more players by removing the need for a subscription – a feature the Xbox originally offered.
While Microsoft’s Xbox hasn’t been growing as quickly recently, it’s been a significant force in gaming since the early 2000s. One of its biggest contributions was popularizing paid online multiplayer services. Xbox Live, launched in 2002 for $49.99 a year, was the first to really establish this idea. Initially, Sony offered online play for free, but later introduced PlayStation Plus on the PS4 in 2013, requiring a subscription. Nintendo then followed this trend in 2018 with the launch of Nintendo Switch Online.
Next Xbox Console May Drop Online Multiplayer Fees
Xbox Live was renamed Xbox Network in 2021, but you still need to pay to play games online. Now, Microsoft includes online access with its Game Pass subscriptions. However, that could change soon. According to sources, Microsoft is thinking about making online multiplayer free on the next Xbox.
Free Online Multiplayer Aligns With Next Xbox Console’s Rumored Design Philosophy
Microsoft is reportedly reconsidering its plan to charge for online multiplayer on its next Xbox console. This shift is linked to the console’s design, which is intended to be similar to a Windows PC inside a console shell – much like the ROG Ally is a portable PC. Because PC gamers generally don’t pay a monthly fee for online multiplayer, Microsoft is worried that requiring this on a PC-like console could discourage potential buyers. This concern is a major factor in considering removing the fee.
PC or Not, the Next Xbox Will Reportedly Offer Extensive Backward Compatibility
According to Corden, the next generation of Xbox Series X/S consoles will be fully compatible with all existing Xbox games. He previously mentioned Microsoft was developing a way to play older Xbox games on Windows, but noted that licensing issues might limit how many titles are available compared to the full experience on the new consoles.
PC Game Pass May Not Be Long for This World
A recent report addresses rumors that Microsoft scrapped plans for its own Xbox handheld after teaming up with ASUS to create the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. According to sources, Microsoft still intends to develop a first-party portable gaming device at some point. Previous leaks indicate the next generation of Xbox could arrive around late 2027. This new Xbox is expected to combine console and PC gaming, which may lead to changes in Game Pass subscriptions to align with Microsoft’s goal of a platform-independent gaming experience. One likely change is the elimination of the PC Game Pass tier, as it’s currently the only one not available on multiple platforms.
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2025-10-27 19:34